I have found a lot of issues with version 8.3 so I will have to revert back (again) to version 7.2.

However, if possible I would like to keep both versions installed (so I can pass issues with 8.3 on to Paul). Can anyone provide advice on the best way to do this?

I generally use Plato for development, but I also use the command line (FTN95) to compile and run my tests._________________Programmer in: Fortran 77/95/2003/2008, C, C++ (& OpenMP), java, Python, Perl

You could install (or copy) into two folders, one for each version. The only requirement is that you change the PATH environment variable so that it contains only the folder that you are currently using.

I am puzzled by the thought that there are lots of regressions from v7.2.

1) Wow...When was issued ver.7.2, few years back? Not reporting found problems for several years? You punish yourself, other users and the product, David.

I always encourage everyone to report any sneeze of the compiler on their codes and any (even crazy) ideas for improvement.

And for those Fortraners who use PE version reporting bugs and suggestions is literally a duty in exchange for excellent product which with users suggestions could be even better and which still unbelievably generously go with no charge. Look at the Intel Fortran prices for example to realize the Silverfrost actually pays YOU, guys.

2) I do not change the path but instead rename main folder with complete previous installation of compiler into "FTN95". In my computer the current version main folder is always called FTN95, all older ones can have any convenient name, for example FTN95_7_2. To not mix up different versions inside the FTN95 folder i open additional empty folder with the name of current version

I will post what I have found about 8.3 regressions tomorrow. I want to find a good illustration code. There are possibly only a few issues with 8.3 that are generating lots of errors. It isn't just the 64 bit mode. I get run time errors in 32 bits that I didn't get before.

I don't think I have been punishing anyone. I have reported what issues I have found with 7.x, 8.05 and 8.1 and I know a lot of these have been addressed. I had been waiting for 8.2 Personal to be released so I could test it with a view to purchase. The version has skipped to 8.3 so I am testing that.

Hopefully, I can help to throw some light into the darker corners of 8.3 and it will prove helpful._________________Programmer in: Fortran 77/95/2003/2008, C, C++ (& OpenMP), java, Python, Perl

I always keep multiple copies of FTN95
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Silverfrost\ftn95" is the latest install version, which I don't use in my path.
I make and use copies of this directory to keep track of what I am using

I would find the escapements interesting. While I do not use some of the more advanced features that FTN95 offers, I do look at every report of discrepancies to see if similar code is in my commercial product.

JohnC - thanks very much for posting your method of changing versions.
Up to now I've always uninstalled/reinstalled a version at a time due to my tortuous experience in my earltėy dys on the FTN95 trainwith environment variables and the screw-up with them being set automatically for the 'FTN95 Express' version when a non-default directory was requested on install.

Anyway just one question, hosw is the relevant version requested in the .bat file ?
I see :-

Quote:

set f95.ver=%1

in your listing but don't understand hoe that definition works in selecting the required version.
Does it mean it prompts for user input (from the list in the REM line ?

Is there a really good (simple) reference for learning about:
a) bat files
b) environment variables

... and while I'm at it, another mysterious box of tricks for me ...

c) resource files
as apart from simply including icons etc ... I've seen other fleeting glances of setting up menus via rsource files, wth use of pseudo-fortran coding included, etc ... , setting up different language translation files etc ..., which seems to imply many possibilities but without a good thorough reference daunting to delve into.
(Note 'good' means 'for idiots' ! )_________________"This is the triumph of folly.
The machine, which knows no rest, ought to remain a tool,
... but instead becomes our master and will swallow up our life and soul"

%1 is the first option provided to the batch file.
So assuming the batch file is called set_ftn95.bat
I want to select the version in directory ftn95_8.20F
I would issue the command "set_ftn95 8.20F" in my cmd.exe "dos box"
"set_ftn95 7.10" would take me back to Version 7.10

You will note that the batch file refers to other environment variables:
f95_dir=c:\Program Files (x86)\Silverfrost\ftn95_%f95.ver%
ftn95_path=%f95_dir%
f95include=%f95_dir%\include
mod_path=%f95_dir%\include
gcc_path
orig_path

These are some of the environment variables I have defined in
Control Panel > SYSTEM > Advanced system settings > Environment Variables... > System variables
These environment variables are defined, based on the sort order for System variables
The system variables are required for PLATO

%orig_path% is an minimal path definition which changes some times
"C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath is one of those directories that if you don't list it, it will keep getting added.
There can be a few of these.

I should have added that this is for Windows 7, Win 10 has others like this.
Windows 10 has also made editing the Path system variable a bit easier.

My directory "FTN95" is the directory I keep for updating.
I then make a copy with the version name to keep track of what I am doing.

This approach is useful for a number of packages that can be installed in this way.

Thank you JohnC , much appreciated._________________"This is the triumph of folly.
The machine, which knows no rest, ought to remain a tool,
... but instead becomes our master and will swallow up our life and soul"

%1 is the first option provided to the batch file.
So assuming the batch file is called set_ftn95.bat
I want to select the version in directory ftn95_8.20F
I would issue the command "set_ftn95 8.20F" in my cmd.exe "dos box"
"set_ftn95 7.10" would take me back to Version 7.10

You will note that the batch file refers to other environment variables:
f95_dir=c:\Program Files (x86)\Silverfrost\ftn95_%f95.ver%
ftn95_path=%f95_dir%
f95include=%f95_dir%\include
mod_path=%f95_dir%\include
gcc_path
orig_path

Hi JohnC,
This is very useful tip to use. Thanks_________________Thanks and Regards
Moorthy